A Child's Purse (Sew Fun)

This handbag was a birthday gift for my 3 year old niece (the same one who received the "monkey manket" - her words). I live very far away, so wasn't able to give it to her myself. Her mama tells me that when my brother presented it to her, she looked at him in horror and asked what he'd done to her blanket! They had to show her the blanket and purse side by side. While I'm sorry she got so upset, it makes me feel good that she liked her blanket that much.

The pattern comes from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. The pattern instructions indicate increasing the size of the pattern by 130% (I think), but that it can be made bigger for a tote (more on my tote coming soon). For this project, I traced the pattern at actual size. It's really too small to hold anything substantial, but it's perfect for a toddler. It's also cute for Mama-daughter matching purses (ask me how I know - photos coming soon).

I really love the monkey flannel on the inside - yellow with brown monkey outlines. I purchased all the fabric at JoAnns Fabrics and Crafts. I haven't seen this particular pattern again, though.